CDC confirms Norovirus outbreak on transatlantic voyage

Friday, 02 May, 2016 0

An outbreak of norovirus has sickened 153 passengers and six crew members on board the Fred Olsen cruise ship Balmoral.

Just over 900 passengers are on the 34-night ‘Old England to New England’ transatlantic cruise, the majority of them British.

Following urgent tests, results proved positive for norovirus and US health inspectors boarded the ship when it arrived in Baltimore for a scheduled call.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issue a statement: "Two CDC vessel sanitation program environmental health officers and an epidemiologist boarded the ship upon arrival in Baltimore to conduct an environmental health assessment and evaluate the outbreak and response activities. Specimens have been collected and tested on board using a norovirus rapid test. Results were positive for norovirus. The specimens will be sent to CDC for additional testing."

Fred Olsen said guests who were ill were asked to remain in their rooms.

"Fred Olsen is co-operating fully with all the necessary maritime agencies and authorities,‎ as Balmoral continues on her cruise, and will continue to make e‎very effort possible to ensure the safety and well-being of all its guests and crew on board, which is of paramount ‎importance," it said.

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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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